Loomis Chaffee Arboretum Certification

Gillian Tang ’27

Cathy Zhang ’26

Sally Hayes, a senior at Loomis Chaffee, is working to help the school achieve Level 1 Arboretum Certification by Arbor Day, a day that celebrates the planting of trees. As part of her Guided Environmental Research Project with Mr. Dyreson, Sally has taken on the task of identifying and cataloging trees across campus. “We need at least 25 tree species identified for the certification,” she explains, “but I’ve already cataloged over 40.” Her work involves planning a Tree Walking Tour and organizing events for the community to engage with the environment.

One of the key aspects of the certification is the Tree Walking Tour, which will begin at admission and end near Founder’s Circle. To provide this tour, Sally says,“ I created a digital ArcGIS map over the winter, and this digital database shows the location and identity of trees on campus.” Each tree on the tour will be labeled with an identification card, “showcasing the diversity of tree life on campus.” Sally hopes this will provide community education on trees and promote a deeper appreciation for the Loomis environment. 

Extending from the certification, Sally is organizing activities to support the arboretum’s growth. For instance, a Tree Propagation Event will be hosted in the Loomis greenhouse. This event targets propagating native trees from existing Loomis trees, expanding their population. In addition, A Tree Planting Ceremony will be held during Arbor Day week near the softball fields, where a Sugar Maple will be planted. To promote educational community engagement, Loomis plans to hold a photography contest featuring the arboretum’s trees and an incorporating environmental writing event in classes, connecting people with nature in creative ways. Together, these events align with the arboretum’s mission: to preserve local biodiversity, encourage environmental stewardship, and provide community education on tree ecology.

Sally’s journey with the arboretum project has been more than personal growth. “Through this research process, I’ve learned about plant diversity, native trees, and how to label trees,” she reflects. The project has also reshaped her relationship with nature. She says, “collecting tree inventory encouraged me to spend more time outdoors and appreciate my surroundings.” Sally’s dedication has brought Loomis Chaffee closer to attaining the Level 1 Arboretum Certification, ensuring the promotion of such an environmental mission in the future on campus.